When searching online to find an aesthetician, the closer to home, the better. Most people don’t want to travel more than 15 or 20 miles. However, a Google search will return multiple pages of “aestheticians near me”.
Before calling the first name on the page, take the time to read this guide. You’ll learn about what aestheticians do, how to find the best aestheticians in your area, and when it’s best to schedule an appointment with an aesthetician instead of a dermatologist.
Obtaining an Aesthetician License
A licensed aesthetician must complete 600 hours of on-the-job training and curriculum work through a state-approved program.
Licensed aestheticians must also pass a written exam that assesses their knowledge of skin care practices, sanitation protocols, and patient safety standards. Aestheticians also take a hands-on exam to demonstrate their skills in a real-world setting.
States often provide an apprenticeship option for individuals who want to bypass coursework. However, aestheticians must train for 2000 hours (approximately three months) or more with a licensed master aesthetician.
Before contacting the aesthetician you find through searching online, check their professional website that provides information about their licensing status and years of experience.
Are Aestheticians and Dermatologists the Same?
No, they provide different types and levels of skin care. While a dermatologist has a doctor’s degree and can perform minor skin surgeries and prescribe medication, aestheticians do not have doctor’s degrees, nor can they prescribe medications.
An aesthetician focuses more on non-medical skin conditions that do not require surgery or prescription medications. An aesthetician near you usually works with other aestheticians in a salon, spa, or dermatology practice.
Choosing an aesthetician on staff at a dermatology practice has added benefits. Some cosmetic procedures they perform must be overseen by a medical doctor. For example, services such as Ultherapy microneedling and a variety of laser treatments are administered by an aesthetician. But, because these are considered medical treatments, supervision and oversight by a dermatologist is required. Aestheticians working in a dermatology practice work as a team with dermatologists resulting in a more comprehensive experience for the patient.
Treatments Provided by Licensed Aestheticians
Facials
Intended to exfoliate dead skin cells, deep-clean pores, and hydrate skin, facial solutions often consist of hyaluronic acid for hydrating purposes, special cleansers, and exfoliants such as beta-hydroxy or alpha-hydroxy acids. Anti-aging facials contain antioxidants, retinol and other ingredients to firm skin and promote collagen production.
Chemical Peels
Designed to diminish minor scarring, restore even skin tones, and smooth away wrinkles, chemical peels can remove the topmost layer of your skin to reveal fresh, more youthful skin underneath. Peels meant to treat some forms of acne and hyperpigmentation contain retinoic acid to encourage cell turnover and collagen production.
Microneedling
Also called collagen induction treatment, microneedling rejuvenates the skin. With this type of procedure, an aesthetician uses needles to create tiny punctures on your skin’s top layer. These “controlled wounds” cause your body to produce new elastin and collagen. The result is a reduction in fine lines, diminished facial acne scaring and a “tightened” feel of the skin.
Microdermabrasion
By gently scraping the skin with a marginally edged abrasion instrument, aestheticians can reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmented areas. Microdermabrasion also refreshes a dull skin tone, unclogs pores, and exfoliates the skin. Although solutions are not used during a microdermabrasion procedure, aestheticians may apply skincare products to hydrate and “calm” the skin following treatment.
Laser Hair Removal
The laser uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair from different parts of the body. Several treatments spaced apart are usually required for best results. Hair removed by laser energy usually grows back much lighter in color and finer than the hair that was removed. Laser hair removal is effective on all hair colors except white or gray. Patients who want to remove white or gray hair are referred to seek other treatments such as electrolysis.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning involves the aesthetician “blade shaving” fine facial hair and the top layer of the skin. Using solutions to promote the removal of fine hair and dead skin cells makes dermaplaning a more vigorous treatment for evening skin tone, improving skin texture and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and acne scars.
When Should You See an Aesthetician?
The three top reasons people search for “aesthetician near me” are:
- To obtain affordable, anti-aging skincare services that do not include lengthy downtimes from work or daily activities.
- To receive cosmetic services that cosmetologists and dermatologists do not offer, such as facials, chemical peels, or to get a customized skincare regimen.
- To ensure their skin remains healthy, clean, and youthful-looking without undergoing outpatient surgery or expensive procedures.
In addition, aestheticians are knowledgeable about skin conditions that may require further examination by a dermatologist. If an aesthetician notices an unusual skin growth, an intensifying rash, infection, or suspicious moles, they will refer you to a dermatologist.
Do Aestheticians Accept Insurance?
Since most treatments and procedures performed by aestheticians are considered “cosmetic” and not medically necessary, health insurance usually does not cover the cost. Health insurance plans in the U.S. exclude coverage for elective treatments meant to enhance appearance only.
In some cases, specific procedures performed by aestheticians under a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s supervision are covered by insurance if a doctor or surgeon deems the procedure medically necessary. For example, a person with hirsutism (excessive hair growth) who suffers from severe skin rashes and sores has a medical need for hair removal. In this case, the person might be able to use their health insurance to pay an aesthetician for hair removal services.
Choosing the Best Aesthetician in Your Area
Once you’ve got your search results for “aesthetician near me”, use this checklist to review your top picks:
- Check out the aesthetician’s website and look for information about their years of experience working as an aesthetician, licensing, and certifications
- Scan reviews on Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and Facebook.
- Ask your doctor if they have heard anything about the aesthetician.
- Visit the aesthetician’s office, spa, or clinic and meet them in person. Explain that you’ve never been to an aesthetician but have read about how they can improve skin appearance without relying on minimally invasive surgery.
The Bottom Line
With so many options available, finding the best nearby aesthetician for you is all about taking the time to do your research. Consider your needs and expectations and get referrals from friends and family members. Ask potential aestheticians questions about their training, experience, and areas of expertise. Book a cosmetic consultation with one our aestheticians here at Pariser Dermatology for only $25. Call us at 757-313-5813 and we will be happy to help!
